The European Union has fined Google $5 billion for “denying rivals a chance to innovate” through its Android operating system.

“Google has used Android as a vehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine. These practices have denied rivals the chance to innovate and compete on the merits,” claimed EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager. “They have denied European consumers the benefits of effective competition in the important mobile sphere.”

Vestager also called out Google on Twitter, claiming Google has been, “Denying rivals a chance to innovate,” and concluding, “Google now has to stop it.”

Fine of €4,34 bn to @Google for 3 types of illegal restrictions on the use of Android. In this way it has cemented the dominance of its search engine. Denying rivals a chance to innovate and compete on the merits. It’s illegal under EU antitrust rules. @Google now has to stop it